Behind The Design

Think Loud
Think Loud
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Behind the Design is a podcast that brings you closer to the projects, people, and untold stories behind the Pinterest saves you’ve been obsessing over for years. Hosted by Camilla Ingall, interior designer and founder of Unfolded, each episode goes beyond the finished photos to unpack how great design actually comes to life through honest conversations with designers, architects, stylists, builders, and creatives. If you care about thoughtful design and want a deeper understanding of what really goes on behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.

  1. 4d ago

    53. 20 Years of Woods & Warner: What Running a Design Studio Really Takes

    Twenty years ago, Sonia Warner and Jacinta Woods started Woods & Warner with two people, no plan B and a shared goal of creating beautiful spaces. Today they lead a seven-person Sydney studio, and most of what they know about running it was learned the hard way. In this episode, Camilla sits down with both directors for an honest look at what it really takes to build a design studio that lasts. They share the seven-bedroom project they designed without charging a cent, only to have it cancelled in a ten-minute meeting. They talk about IVF, bed rest and the mother guilt of building a business with three children under five, and how those years shaped a studio culture that genuinely supports motherhood. And they relive the morning their Hunters Hill project landed the front cover of Belle, just as their website and Instagram were hacked. It's a conversation about knowing the value of your design intellect, hiring properly, reading your clients and finding joy in the work for the long haul. In this episode: Why they ignored a mentor's advice to stick to one style and five suppliers, and what that choice has cost and given them The unpaid seven-bedroom job that taught them to charge for their time and put contracts first How IVF, bed rest and early motherhood forced them to build a business that could run without them Reading clients: telling the difference between a budget problem and a fear problem The year they broke down in tears over the wrong team, and why paid trial days are now non-negotiable Using AI to cut hours of admin, collaborating with architects and builders, and how they define success after 20 years Join The Behind The Design Collectivehttps://youreinvited.behindthedesignco.au/ Follow the guesthttps://www.woodsandwarner.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/woodsandwarner/ (confirm handle) Follow Unfolded & Behind The Design:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ 00:00 The job that changed everything01:00 Welcome to Behind the Design02:50 20 years of Woods & Warner03:51 IVF, bed rest and being forced to step back06:10 Mother guilt and a studio that supports motherhood08:27 Structure, chaos and a week in the studio09:24 Two directors, two lanes11:57 Settling creative disagreements13:01 The advice they ignored: one style, five suppliers15:21 No signature look: connection as the signature17:02 A word from Unfolded17:39 Budget problem or fear problem?21:23 The year they broke down in tears24:34 Hiring for passion27:12 Using AI to cut the admin30:07 Hire like a corporate: paid trial days32:28 The seven-bedroom job they never got paid for38:50 Contracts, staff and the 50% nobody sees40:43 Working with architects and builders45:37 A Belle cover and a hacked website48:45 The next 20 years49:56 Success, gratitude and taking the plunge interior designresidential interiorscreative businessdesign consultancyBehind the Design podcastCamilla IngallWoods and WarnerSonia WarnerJacinta WoodsSydney interior designerscharging for design feeshiring in a design studioworking mothers in businessBelle magazine ChaptersKeywords

  2. Oct 14

    52. I Studied Law to Hide Who I Was. Design Brought Me Back

    What happens when a designer spends years pursuing the practical path before finally trusting his creative instincts? Stefan Vignogna of Bespoke Joinery Design built his career around bespoke kitchens, considered interiors and technical expertise. In this episode of Behind the Design, he joins Camilla Ingall to share the personal and professional decisions that shaped his journey, from studying law to building a design business on his own terms. They explore why Stefan chooses to stay small, what eight years on the workshop floor taught him, and why great joinery involves far more than beautiful finishes. In this episode: Why Stefan walked away from law to pursue designStefan’s journey in coming out and what happened when he finally didWhat years of hands-on joinery experience taught him that formal education couldn'tHow he built a referral-based business without chasing growthThe underrated power of setting boundaries with his workWhy the details behind great joinery matter more than most people realiseHow he's making specialist design knowledge more accessible It's an honest conversation about finding your creative direction, building a business around your values, and deciding what success actually looks like. —------------------------ Follow Stefan Vignogna https://www.stefanvignogna.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stefan_vignogna  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanvignognadesigner/  https://www.facebook.com/stefanvignognadesigner/  Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/   ----------------------- Chapters 00:00 Why Stefan Vignogna Chose Interior Design Over Law 02:15 Growing Up Creative and Discovering a Passion for Design 03:46 Why Stefan Studied Law Instead of Following His Creativity 06:20 From Office Furniture to a Career in Interior Design 08:25 Embracing His Identity and Finding Creative Confidence 11:03 How Life Experience Shaped Stefan’s Design Philosophy 12:47 What Eight Years of Hands-On Joinery Experience Taught Him 14:45 Building a Referral-Based Interior Design Business 15:48 Why Stefan Chooses Quality Over Business Growth 19:39 Why Interior Designers Do More Than Design 22:27 What Makes Bespoke Joinery More Than Just Cabinetry 23:42 Making Kitchen Design More Accessible to Homeowners 27:49 Building a More Profitable and Sustainable Design Business Keywords bespoke joinery designkitchen designcustom joineryinterior designjoinery designkitchen renovationcabinetry designresidential interiorsjoinery detailingkitchen functionalityspatial planninginterior design businesscreative businessdesign consultancydesign business growthclient relationshipscreative entrepreneurshipStefan VignognaBespoke Joinery DesignBehind the Design podcastCamilla IngallAdelaide interior design

  3. Oct 7

    51. From Small Styling Business to Large-Scale Operation | Bowerbird Interiors

    Bowerbird Interior’s success isn’t just a story about beautiful design. It’s a story about what happens when the business behind the design keeps getting bigger. Lauren Lewis, co-founder of Bowerbird Interior, joins Camilla to explore the side of the design industry we rarely see: the people, systems, logistics and commercial decisions behind the finished spaces. What started as a property styling business has grown into a much bigger operation spanning residential homes, commercial spaces, build-to-rent and large-scale furnishing projects. But what happens behind the scenes when a creative business reaches that kind of scale? Lauren shares what she has learned about building the infrastructure behind the creativity, working alongside her husband Jeff, finding the right people, and knowing when the founder needs to step back and let others take the lead. In this episode: • How Bowerbird evolved from property styling into a much larger furnishing operation • The systems, logistics and procurement required to operate at scale • Why creative instinct alone may not be enough to grow a sustainable business • How commercial thinking can influence creative decision-making • How Lauren and Jeff built complementary roles around their different strengths • What separates people who want something to happen from those who make it happen • Why delegation becomes harder, but more important, as a business grows • Knowing when to step away from the details and focus on higher-value work • What can sit behind the success people see from the outside There’s often a lot more behind a finished space than meets the eye. For Lauren, growing Bowerbird has meant navigating the tension between creativity, people, systems and the realities of running a much bigger business. But as a creative business grows, one question becomes harder to ignore: how do you scale the business without scaling away what made it special in the first place? ------------------------ Follow Lauren Lewis and Bowerbird Interior https://www.instagram.com/lauren_lewis84/ https://www.facebook.com/BowerbirdInt https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ https://www.instagram.com/bowerbirdinteriors https://bowerbirdinteriors.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ ----------------------- Chapters 00:00 - From Property Styling to Bowerbird 02:15 - The Story Behind Bowerbird’s Growth 05:40 - What Happens Behind Beautiful Spaces 09:25 - Scaling a Creative Business 13:10 - The Systems Behind Property Styling 17:05 - Procurement, Warehousing and Logistics 21:30 - Why Creative Businesses Need Commercial Thinking 25:45 - Building a Business Around Different Strengths 30:10 - Lauren and Jeff’s Roles at Bowerbird 34:20 - Building the Right Team and Culture 38:15 - What Makes a Great Team Member? 42:05 - Knowing When to Delegate 46:00 - Letting Go as Your Business Grows 49:40 - The Reality Behind Business Success 53:15 - Relationships and Community in Design 56:30 - What Lauren Would Do Differently 59:10 - The Future of Bowerbird and Creative Business Growth Keywords Bowerbird Lauren Lewis Bowerbird Australia Bowerbird furniture Bowerbird property styling property styling Australia furniture hire Australia furniture styling interior design business creative business creative entrepreneurship creative business growth scaling a creative business design business growth creative business strategy business systems for creatives creative business systems property styling business property styling business growth interior styling business design entrepreneurship creative leadership business operations commercial design

  4. Sep 30

    50. Interior Designers Reveal What Really Goes On Behind The Design

    What do two successful designers admit when there is no guest to interview and the questions are coming straight back at them? Sarah Reid is the host of Her Design Her Story, and in this special episode of Behind the Design, Camilla Ingall and Sarah Reid turn the questions on each other, reflecting on the careers, shows, businesses and lessons that have shaped where they are today. As the conversation unfolds, they revisit the moments that challenged their confidence, changed their direction and made them rethink what they actually wanted from their careers. They also share what they have learned from years of working with clients, building businesses and having conversations with people across the design industry. Both have taken different paths through the design industry, but there are surprising parallels in what they've learned along the way. In this episode: How two very different career paths led into interior design and creative businessWhy confidence often comes from taking action rather than waiting to feel readyThe reality of running a creative business while trying to maintain a life outside of workWhat burnout revealed about boundaries, people-pleasing and choosing the right clientsLearning when to say no and recognising when something simply isn't the right fitThe challenge of letting go, delegating and trusting other peopleWhy building a business can teach you as much about yourself as it does about businessWhat podcasting has taught them about listening, communication and making people feel heard At the heart of the conversation is a simple question: what happens when you stop trying to be everything to everyone and start paying attention to what actually works for you? It's an honest conversation about the less visible side of design careers and creative businesses, and the lessons that only seem to come with experience. —------------------------ Follow Sarah Reid https://www.instagram.com/herdesign_herstory/ https://www.instagram.com/s_r_and_o/  https://www.herdesignherstory.com/  Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/   ----------------------- Chapters 00:00 Two Designers Turn the Mic on Each Other 02:28 Camilla’s Journey Into Interior Design 04:01 Sarah’s Journey From Architecture to Interiors 07:30 What Inspired Behind the Design 09:06 The Reality Behind the Pretty Pictures 10:00 When Your Career Takes an Unexpected Path 13:07 What Running a Business Teaches You 16:17 What Actually Brings You Joy? 17:25 Building a Business and Making Time for Family 19:14 Does Confidence Come Before Action? 21:15 What Really Happens Behind the Scenes 23:14 Learning When to Say No 24:40 When Doing Everything Becomes Too Much 33:06 Learning to Qualify Your Clients 34:29 Which Opportunities Are Worth Pursuing? 37:49 How Their Definition of Success Changed 42:38 What Podcasting Has Taught Them About People 46:57 What They Want Listeners to Take Away Keywords interior design podcast interior design business interior designers design business interior design Australia Australian interior designers Behind the Design podcast creative business design industry interior design career interior design journey starting an interior design business running a creative business creative entrepreneurship design business owner interior design career path interior design challenges interior designer burnout imposter syndrome in design confidence in business creative industry Australia women in design women in business design podcast Australia interior design podcast Australia podcasting for creatives behind the scenes design design business lessons interior design success

  5. Sep 16

    49. From Granny Flat Scam to Luxury Property Development

    What happens when the business you're building almost ends before it really begins? Phil and Lina Strati, the husband-and-wife team behind L.P StratiCo Builders and Aesthetic Developments, share the real story behind their journey from secure corporate and construction careers to building businesses of their own. It wasn't a straight line. After quitting their jobs in the most unexpected way, they spent their early years taking on whatever work they could find, only to become caught in a builders worst nightmare, before their first project had barely started. But the conversation goes well beyond business. They talk openly about navigating fertility challenges, personal loss, the pressure behind a successful-looking business, and the shift from chasing growth to building something more intentional. In this episode: — Why they quit their jobs at the worst possible time — The scam that nearly ended their business — How one difficult project led to six thriving opportunities — The unexpected path into insurance and remediation — How they competed with 9 figure builders as a small company — Balancing stable, commercial work with creative development — Building a business as a couple — How grief changed Lina’s definition of success A conversation about resilience, partnership and what really happens behind a successful building business. ------------------------ Follow Phil and Lina Strati https://www.aestheticdevelopments.com.au/about https://www.instagram.com/aestheticdevelopments_/ https://www.instagram.com/lpstratico/ https://www.lpstratico.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ Other resources: DHR Season 4 - Award Winning Homes: https://vimeo.com/1088921733/aed056c68e?share=copyFlorence i15 by Greenridge Publishing - Issuu: https://issuu.com/greenridgepublishing/docs/florence_i15 Architecture & Design: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/projects/houses/the-fairview-aesthetic-developments Chapters 00:00 - The Risky Decision That Started Their Business 02:47 - From Corporate Careers to Construction and Design 06:19 - Why They Quit Their Jobs on Their Honeymoon 12:42 - The Granny Flat Scam That Nearly Ended Their Business 16:07 - Discovering the Construction Scam and Starting Over 20:55 - How One Difficult Project Led to Six More Opportunities 21:47 - How COVID Changed Their Construction Business 23:37 - Finding Sustainable Revenue Through Insurance Work 24:28 - Becoming One of 12 Builders on a Major Insurance Panel 25:21 - Finding a Niche in Complex Insurance Claims 30:33 - Returning to Luxury Property Development 31:44 - The Fairview Project and Their First Major Development 32:23 - Winning a Master Builders Award 33:37 - Building a Brand Through Design and Storytelling 35:04 - Grief, Mental Health, and Redefining Success Keywords building business Australia construction business Australia construction business owners builder business building company Australia property development Australia luxury home builder construction entrepreneurship starting a construction business building business journey construction business growth property development granny flat builder insurance construction insurance remediation business setbacks business resilience husband and wife business family business construction industry Australia luxury property development building industry Australia entrepreneurship Australia

  6. Sep 2

    48. A Builder’s Guide to Luxury, Design & Construction With Jakin Luxury Living

    What actually makes a home luxurious? According to luxury builder James from Jakin Luxury Living, it has far less to do with expensive finishes and far more to do with how a home performs, feels and supports the way you live. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with James, founder of Jakin Luxury Living, to unpack what really goes into building high-end residential homes and why the best projects are about so much more than beautiful finishes. We explore how the definition of luxury is changing. From home automation and high-performance glazing to saunas, ice baths, gyms and dedicated wellness spaces, today's luxury homes are increasingly designed around health, comfort, technology and the way families actually live. And beyond construction, James opens up about business growth, delegation, burnout and finding the balance between working in the business and working on it. In this episode, we also discuss: • What luxury really means beyond expensive finishes • Why a luxury home needs to perform, not just look beautiful • Why bigger isn't always better in business • How builders and designers can collaborate more effectively • Why communication can make or break a construction project • The importance of choosing the right trades and site manager • What to look for when comparing builders and building quotes • The growing importance of insulation and glazing • How James approaches forecasting, budgeting and project programming • Managing burnout in the construction and creative industries • Knowing when to delegate and stay in your lane • Why the story behind a finished project can be more interesting than the polished result If you're building, renovating or designing a luxury home, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, relationships and details that can ultimately determine whether a project simply looks impressive or genuinely feels exceptional. Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping the architecture, interior design, construction and creative industries. Follow James Watkin and Jakin Luxury Living https://jakin.com.au/about/ https://www.instagram.com/jakin_luxury_living/ https://www.instagram.com/james_r_watkin/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ —------Chapters 00:00 - What Really Makes a Luxury Home? 01:45 - Inside Luxury Home Building 03:15 - From Carpenter to Luxury Builder 04:33 - Why Bigger Isn't Always Better 13:06 - The Problem With Micromanaging 15:43 - Builder & Designer Collaboration 18:33 - Why Communication Makes or Breaks a Build 27:25 - What Does Luxury Really Mean? 30:51 - The Rise of Wellness Spaces at Home 33:48 - The Future of Luxury Home Design 35:07 - 3 Things to Look for in a Builder 38:26 - Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost More 49:48 - Burnout in the Building & Creative Industries Keywords luxury home builder luxury home building luxury homes luxury residential construction building a luxury home luxury home design luxury home construction high end home builder custom home builder luxury residential builder choosing a builder how to choose a builder builder and designer collaboration luxury home trends home automation wellness rooms home wellness spaces sauna in luxury home luxury home features luxury home renovation custom home construction residential construction building a custom home luxury property development high end residential construction

  7. Aug 19

    47. Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think | Objects for Thought

    Lighting is often one of the last things considered in a project, but it can completely change how we experience a space, from the way materials and colours are perceived to how the room actually feels. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Jay and CJ, founders of Objects for Thought, to explore the thinking, process and business decisions behind their contemporary lighting brand. This is a conversation about much more than beautiful light fittings. Jay and CJ share how their very different backgrounds in design, art, finance and electrical work eventually led them to build a lighting company, and why they deliberately chose to focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. We talk about why lighting can make or break an interior, what happens when beautiful finishes are paired with poor-quality lighting, and the technical details that designers and homeowners often don't see. And most importantly, Jay and CJ share what they've learned about building a creative business without letting ego drive every decision. In this episode: • How Objects for Thought began and how Jay and CJ found their way into lighting• Why constructive criticism is central to their creative partnership • How they divide the business across Melbourne and Brisbane • Why good lighting is about more than aesthetics • How lighting quality affects colour, materials and finishes • What electricians and trades bring to the design process • Why Objects for Thought deliberately says no to some custom work • How direct relationships with designers create a valuable feedback loop • Why solving problems well can strengthen long-term client relationships • The importance of patience when building a product-based design business For architects, interior designers, builders and anyone interested in how thoughtful design actually comes together, this episode offers a look behind the finished product and into the decisions that make it work. Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people, businesses and creatives shaping the design industry. Follow Jay, CJ and Object for Thought https://www.of-t.com/about https://www.instagram.com/objectsforthought/ https://www.instagram.com/jay_jermyn/ https://www.instagram.com/cjand/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_

  8. Aug 5

    46. Why Furniture Hire Matters More Than You Think | Huntley + Co

    When people think about preparing a home for sale, they usually picture the finished styling. What they don't see is everything happening behind the scenes to make that transformation possible. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Amy Smith, founder of Huntley + Co, a Sydney-based furniture hire business created specifically to support property stylists, interior designers and creative professionals. After spending more than a decade as a senior stylist, Amy recognised a growing gap in the industry. Independent stylists needed access to beautiful furniture, reliable logistics and an easier way to hire pieces without managing their own warehouse. That insight became Huntley + Co. We talk about the evolution of the property styling industry, what it takes to build a business that supports other creatives, and why furniture hire has become such an important part of preparing homes for sale. Whether you're a property stylist, interior designer, supplier or creative business owner, this conversation offers an honest look at what happens behind one of the industry's most essential businesses. In this episode we cover: ·  Why Amy founded Huntley + Co after 13 years in property styling ·  The difference between furniture hire and property styling ·  How Huntley + Co supports independent stylists and designers ·  Building a business around solving industry pain points ·  Designing a furniture collection that balances timeless pieces with current trends ·  The role technology plays in simplifying furniture hire ·  Growing through uncertainty during COVID ·  Supporting creatives beyond furniture through the Style Minds community ·  Building long-term client relationships through reliability and trust ·  What success looks like after building a thriving creative business If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry. Follow Amy Smith and Huntley + Co https://huntleyandco.com.au/about-us/ https://www.instagram.com/huntley_and_co/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090875392637  Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------ Chapters 00:59 - Behind the Design with Amy Smith 02:47 - The Evolution of Property Styling 05:33 - Finding a Gap in the Property Styling Industry 08:03 - The Reality of Starting a Creative Business 11:07 - What a Furniture Hire Company Really Does 15:00 - How Technology Is Changing Property Styling 17:16 - Choosing Furniture That Appeals to Buyers 20:42 - Design Trends vs Timeless Interiors 22:47 - Building a Community Around Your Business 25:36 - Using Social Media to Grow a Design Business 29:07 - Why Trust Matters More Than Talent 32:43 - The Biggest Challenge of Growing Huntley & Co 35:04 - Redefining Success as a Business Owner 36:50 - Quickfire Questions with Amy Smith Keywords furniture hire furniture hire Australia furniture hire Sydney Huntley + Co Amy Smith Huntley + Co property styling property stylist home staging Australia home staging furniture interior styling business interior designers Australia property styling business furniture rental for stylists styling homes for sale interior design podcast Behind the Design Podcast Camilla Engel home presentation styling industry design business

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About

Behind the Design is a podcast that brings you closer to the projects, people, and untold stories behind the Pinterest saves you’ve been obsessing over for years. Hosted by Camilla Ingall, interior designer and founder of Unfolded, each episode goes beyond the finished photos to unpack how great design actually comes to life through honest conversations with designers, architects, stylists, builders, and creatives. If you care about thoughtful design and want a deeper understanding of what really goes on behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Channel
    Think Loud
  • Creator
    Camilla Ingall
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Camilla Ingall
  • Show Website
    Behind The Design

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